Through academic partnerships and immersive programs, CJ CheilJedang is expanding its global talent network
CJ CheilJedang, also known as CJ Foods, is ramping up efforts to attract top-tier international talent with the launch of its Global Top-Tier Academic Partnership program, a global networking and tour initiative. The program aims to raise awareness of CJ’s international business operations, strengthen partnerships and proactively recruit talent with deep cultural insights and local marketing expertise to enhance the company’s global competitiveness.
As part of the program, 60 MBA students — 28 from MIT and 32 from Columbia University — visited CJ CheilJedang’s headquarters in Seoul, on March 18 and 20.
The event began with a welcome address by Sun-ho Lee, Head of Food Growth Transformation at CJ CheilJedang, followed by a presentation on the company’s global vision. Participants were then introduced to the company’s diverse business portfolio, brands and products, and were also given a tour of the CJ CheilJedang Center.
In addition to the main event, participants had the opportunity to tour K-drama sets and the state-of-the-art Virtual Production Stage at the CJ ENM Studio Center. They also experienced K-beauty firsthand during a visit to an Olive Young store.
“I’ve always been interested in Korean culture and K-food, so I saw this as a great opportunity to learn more,” said one participant. “Through this experience, I realized that CJ CheilJedang is more than just a food company — it’s a global leader setting new standards in taste and wellness.”
CJ CheilJedang is actively expanding its international talent pool and bolstering its global networks — key pillars in driving the company’s growth in overseas markets. The Global Top-Tier Academic Partnership program first welcomed a total of 110 MBA students from Cornell University, Bryant University and the University of Texas visited Korea earlier this year in January and March. MBA students from Wharton, INSEAD and Carnegie Mellon University are also scheduled to visit during the first half of this year.
In addition to on-site tour programs, CJ CheilJedang continues to build strong partnerships and identify top talent through various initiatives, including internships and academic collaborations. In 2024, the company launched the CJ Global Internship, Korea’s first recruitment-linked internship program designed for international students and graduates from leading universities around the world. The initiative drew an enthusiastic response, with more than 5,000 applicants representing a wide range of nationalities. The program is set to return in the second half of this year.
